ATI RN
geriatric nursing exam questions with rationale Questions
Question 1 of 5
An older patient learns she has metastatic cancer and states: “I must have angered God.” This is an example of which type of belief?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Magicoreligious. This belief involves attributing illness to supernatural forces or divine punishment. In this scenario, the patient's statement implies a belief that her illness is a result of angering God, indicating a magical or religious explanation. Choice A (Biomedical) focuses on scientific and physical causes of illness, which is not reflected in the patient's statement. Choice C (Naturalistic) involves viewing illness as a part of the natural world, without supernatural elements. Choice D (Ayurvedic) is a traditional Indian system of medicine and does not relate to the patient's belief in supernatural punishment.
Question 2 of 5
Which approach requires the nurse to integrate and balance all aspects of an individual’s life into the plan of care?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Holistic nursing is the correct answer because it considers the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of an individual's life in the care plan. It emphasizes treating the whole person rather than just the symptoms. Healthy People 2020 focuses on improving the overall health of the population. Maslow's hierarchy of needs prioritizes basic human needs. Orem's self-care requirements focus on the individual's ability to care for themselves. Holistic nursing is the only approach that integrates and balances all aspects of an individual's life into the care plan, making it the most comprehensive and patient-centered approach.
Question 3 of 5
Aging ordinarily leads to decreases in which of the following?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Serum triiodothyronine (T3) and gastric pepsin. Aging typically leads to a decrease in serum T3 levels due to reduced thyroid function. Gastric pepsin production also decreases with age, impacting digestion. A: Creatinine clearance and insulin secretion typically decrease with kidney and pancreatic function decline, not necessarily solely due to aging. B: Blood CO2 levels and saliva production are not directly affected by aging but can be influenced by various health conditions. C: Left ventricle-wall thickness may increase with age due to conditions like hypertension, and skin healing time can be affected by various factors other than just aging. In summary, the correct answer stands out as age-related declines in serum T3 and gastric pepsin levels are more directly linked to the aging process compared to the other choices.
Question 4 of 5
Which age-related change contributes to anorexia and weight loss in older adults?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Fewer taste buds. As people age, they tend to have fewer taste buds, leading to a decreased ability to taste food. This can result in a loss of interest in eating, which may contribute to anorexia and weight loss. Excessive saliva (A) does not directly contribute to anorexia or weight loss. Wearing dentures (C) may affect chewing but is not a major factor in anorexia. Softened tooth enamel (D) is more related to dental health rather than appetite and weight loss.
Question 5 of 5
An older woman with a UTI reports mild symptoms and a low-grade fever. Why didn’t she develop a higher temperature?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because normal age-related immune changes can result in a lower fever response to illness in older adults. As people age, their immune system may not respond as vigorously to infections, leading to a muted fever response. This explains why the older woman with a UTI experienced only mild symptoms and a low-grade fever. Choice A is incorrect because the seriousness of a UTI does not necessarily correlate with the presence or absence of a fever. Choice C is incorrect as older adults can still develop fevers in response to infections. Choice D is incorrect as it is too broad and does not specifically address the age-related immune changes that impact fever response in older adults.